Widespread flooding leads to chaos on town’s roads

Water was more than a foot deep in the middle of Firle Road on Sunday evening (3/11/13)

Published:07:00Tuesday 05 November 2013

Heavy rain has led to flooding in parts of the town, with residents putting sandbags out and motorists struggling to pass through water-logged roads.

The downpour on Friday and again on Sunday night left many roads practically impassable with some places being more than a foot deep. Spumes of water were spotted in Firle Road – where some residents had placed sandbags by their gates – and also in Seaside. The rain, combined with falling leaves whose volume increased due to last week’s storm, has led to drains becoming blocked and water gushing out onto the road.

Part of Firle Road was badly affected as was Seaside near the Whitley Road traffic lights. The nearby Seaside Rec was also waterlogged, making it impossible for people to make use of the playing field.

East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service dealt with a number of flood-related calls in Sussex on Sunday and Monday. On Sunday night, a crew of firefighters from Eastbourne were called to pump out water from a conservatory in Whitley Road.

Roads and pavements in lower Meads were also affected by the downpour on Friday and on that morning many areas were up to a foot deep in water.

Areas affected included Grassington Road, Blackwater Road, Grange Road and Carlisle Road. Residents wanting to use the post box on the corner of Grange Road and Blackwater Road had to think twice as the area around it was completely submerged in deep water.

Roger Williams, head of highways at the county council, said, “Every gulley in East Sussex is cleared every two years and we prioritise those that cause the most problems, clearing them more regularly if necessary.

“This time of year can be very difficult with falling leaves blocking some drains and gulleys.

“We will respond to calls from residents and would ask people to bear with us as we deal with the problem. If you see a blocked gulley that is causing localised flooding, call our contact centre on 0345 60 80 193 or on twitter @esccroads”

Were any roads near you affected? Send in pictures to: eastbourne.herald@jpress.co.uk

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